GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Atlanta, GA

June 26, 2016

Atlanta, GA – On Saturday, June 25, 2016, at approximately 6:00 pm, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the Atlanta Police Department (APD) to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred at the intersection of University Avenue and the off ramp of interstate 75.

Preliminary information indicates that on the same date, officers with APD were conducting patrols when they noted two (2) vehicles, one in the process of being reported stolen and the second vehicle with plates belonging to another vehicle. Those officers followed the vehicles until a marked patrol unit arrived to assist. Upon initiating emergency lights, one of the vehicles attempted to elude officers down the exit ramp of I-75 onto University Avenue. This vehicle struck numerous vehicles that were located on the exit ramp due to traffic congestion.

The vehicle, occupied by Michael Rhodes, age 18, and Deondre Norris, age 19, continued down the ramp. This vehicle nearly struck an APD Officer and struck an APD vehicle. During this time, four (4) officers discharged their weapons striking both the vehicle and the occupants. The driver of the vehicle continued to flee the area and wrecked the vehicle approximately one mile away at University Ave and Metropolitan Parkway. Rhodes and Norris fled on foot and were later captured and arrested by APD. At that time, it was learned that they had both been shot. They were both transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for medical assistance. No officers were injured during this incident. Both Rhodes and Norris are currently in stable condition. Two other juvenile subjects were arrested in the second vehicle. They were also arrested by APD. A gun was recovered from the second vehicle involved in the incident.

The investigation is in its early stages and is ongoing. The GBI will conduct an independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. When the investigation is completed, it will be turned over to the District Attorney for review.